The Best From Fantasy And Science Fiction, Seventh Series 1958

(Written As By Bertram Chandler)

Short Story

Here is a challenge-to-the-Reader story, a stimulating puzzle for you to solve: How could you prove to a wholly alien life-form that you are a rational being? To the survivors of the wrecked spaceship Lode Star it was a challenge of a more vital sort - a riddle of life or death. I doubt if any reader will soon forget Mr. Chandler's pointed answer.